Weather and Climate Mapping Tools for Coral Reef Monitoring

 

The preservation of coral reef ecosystems is important, as they not only host immense biodiversity and provide critical habitats for countless marine species, but they also play a pivotal role in supporting coastal communities and economy in St. Kitts & Nevis. The coral reefs in the Caribbean region and also those worldwide are extremely fragile and require constant monitoring.  To effectively monitor coral reefs, I recommend the following applications to implement management strategies and retrieve weather data.

1. www.caricoos.org/sargassum

The Sargassum influx has been linked to coral reef degradation, according to reports. This application offers early warning forecasts, satellite imagery, and mapping of the Sargassum phenomenon. Monitoring this algal blooming can help coral reef managers assess the severity and impact on the coral reefs.

 

Photo of sargassum forecast from Caricoos website

2. www.noaa.gov/climate-data

The NOAA application provides 7-day forecasts of tropical weather systems, including hurricanes, and enables users to visualize hurricane track forecasts, wind speed probabilities, and more. The website offers critical real-time data to inform coral reef monitoring and disaster preparedness efforts. Additionally, NOAA.gov provides data and assessments on the status of coral reefs worldwide.

 

References:

National Hurricane Center. (n.d.). https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Caricoos. (n.d.). Sargassum Tracker. Caricoos. https://www.caricoos.org/sargassum